The Anglican Church at Lot 11 was constructed by the honest labours of the early settlers, regardless of religious affiliation. The lumber used in its construction was cut locally and hauled to Alexander MacKay’s mill on Foxley River where it was sawn into lumber and planking. Its maintenance over the years became a
congregational responsibility shared equally by all parishioners. It was long a familiar sight to see several ladies gathering at the little church on a Saturday to scrub the interior while the men tidied up the burying ground and annually white- washed the exterior of the building.
A popular fund-raising activity in support of the church at that time was the tea party.
One such event was described in the July 23, 1866 edition of the Summerside Progress:
The Tea Party at Lot 11, in aid of the Episcopal Church at that place, was held on Wednesday, the 18th instant. We are informed that it was quite a pleasant affair, and was numerously attended by all classes and creeds. At the close of the proceedings, the large assemblage of persons were addressed by the Rev. Mr. Swabey, Hon. Mr. Warburton, G.W. Howlan Esq. and others. The sum realized
was £56 128 9d.
When the old church was dismantled in 1910, part of the vestry was removed and hauled to the homestead of Daymor Kilbride to be used as a shed. It can be seen today on the property of Peter Bulger who now farms the Kilbride acreage.
The decision to replace the old structure was reported to the Diocesan Church Society
by Rev. Henry Harper in 1909:
At Lot 11 the congregation have decided to build a new church. They have now
on hand for this purpose the sum of $400. (the proceeds of the tea held at
Conway last summer). Their intention is to get out the lumber this Winter and
have it sawed and placed on the Church grounds ready for work in the Spring,
when they hope to proceed with the work of the building. This is quite an
undertaking for St. Peter’s Congregation and they deserve every encouragement
and help that can be given in kindly words and substantial gifts.
The year 1910 saw the laying of the foundation with Edward Boyle hauling the sand for same by horse and wagon through the Barrens Road from the Narrows. Carpenters who worked for Henry W. Williams on the construction of the church included Ralph Oatway, Livingstone Williams, Matthias Bulger, William J. MacKay, and Melville Inglis. Mr. Inglis was given the difficult task of cutting the rafters for the steeple. He also boarded in the steeple after the rafters were hoisted into position.
Progress on the new building by the end of year 1911 was related as follows by Rev.
Henry Harper to the Diocesan Church Society:
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